The fear of public speaking can impact your ability to be successful at work or school. Children and teens who are afraid of public speaking have a hard time giving presentations and answering questions in class, which can lead to poor grades. Adults who fear speaking in groups and are expected to give presentations to their coworkers or clients have difficulty completing these tasks. However, you can overcome your fears in a school or work setting using a few methods.
Accept Your Fear
Carmine Gallo, a communications coach, reports in Bloomberg Businessweek that you must accept your fear of speaking in public before you can overcome it. Gallo also notes that most people have anxiety when they have to speak in front of a group or large audience. Understand that it's normal and that you probably won't completely eliminate your fear of public speaking. Instead, focus on relaxing before and during the speech, so you can give a successful presentation.
Change Negative Thoughts
Many people fear public speaking because they have negative thoughts about speaking in front of an audience. Negative thoughts include thinking that the audience will laugh, that you'll forget your speech, or that you'll make a fool of yourself. If you can change those patterns of negative thoughts into positive ones, then you'll be more likely to relax enough to give a speech or presentation. Instead of focusing on irrational thoughts that may never happen, focus on positive thoughts. For instance, you could repeat phrases such as: "I've practiced this speech many times," "I'm ready to give this speech" and "I'm an expert on this topic." Also, try to focus on why you're giving the speech or presentation. You might be giving a speech because your boss believes you're the most knowledgeable person on the subject, or you might have been asked to give a presentation to a writing class due to your substantial background on writing novels. Focus on what you can offer, not what can go wrong.
Take Public Speaking Class
If you need to face your fear head on to continue performing well in school or at work, you can take a public speaking class. MayoClinic.com reports that you shouldn't avoid your fear of public speaking, but you don't have to start out with a big presentation either. Most public speaking classes start with small exercises and activities before delving into large presentations. You can find public speaking classes at most high schools if you're an adolescent or at your local community college if you're an adult. Contact the teacher or professor beforehand to let him know about your fear of public speaking and ask how the class works. If you don't feel comfortable with the way the class will run, try a different class or technique.
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